The National Security Inspectorate (NSI) is an independent, not-for-profit approvals body providing inspection services for the security and fire industries.

For over 30 years, NSI has been protecting the customer by insisting on the highest standards and operating the toughest inspection regime. Companies are inspected regularly by highly qualified, full-time inspectors, to prove their ongoing competence.

The NSI story began in 1971 with the formation of the National Supervisory Council for Intruder Alarms (NSCIA), created to deal with the problem of cowboys and poor quality equipment in the intruder alarm market.

Twenty years later the National Approval Council for Security Systems (NACOSS) was formed from the merger of the NSCIA and the Security Systems Inspectorate (SSI). Its role was very much to continue to improve standards in line with increasingly tougher requirements of the insurance sector and the Police national alarms policy.

NACOSS was instrumental in driving standards upwards in the security industry during this period, achieving widespread recognition from insurers, Police and security buyers. CCTV and access control systems were added to the scope covered by NACOSS.

The Inspectorate of the Security Industry (ISI) was formed in 1992 to offer a voluntary inspection for the manned security sector.

ISI and NACOSS merged in 2001 to create a unified inspectorate NSI, covering all elements of the security industry, with the goal of creating a one-stop-shop for the benefit of customers and suppliers alike.

At the same time, increasing demand from the fire sector for third party certification for fire protection systems encouraged NSI to extend its scope into this area.

Many security companies already installed fire protection systems, and NSI’s experience would be ideal for developing the new BAFE Fire Protection Industry Modular Scheme SP203.

NSI’s Customer Care support process reinforces the reliability and integrity of the companies it inspects.

All NSI schemes meet or exceed the appropriate requirements of the Police, Fire Service and Insurers.

Mission

To raise standards in the security and fire industries in the interests of the customer

Vision

To achieve recognition as the benchmark of public confidence in the security and fire industries

Ethos

• public service
• not for profit
• highest standards
• own corporate governance
• firm but fair
• best practice
• inclusive
• independent

Why the Police, Fire Service, Insurers and many other organisations trust NSI companies to do the job properly:

quality delivery - highest performance standards in the UK, inspected by toughest inspection regime

security vetting - security staff are strictly vetted

training - high level of staff training and supervision

maintenance and callout - companies have to deliver quality service/maintenance (24/7 4-hour response)

police response - NSI approved security systems companies are authorised to install Police-calling systems and NSI companies operate the most efficient Police-calling processes and networks in the UK

fire service response - NSI approved fire companies meet both the new requirements of the Fire Service for the installation of alarm monitoring systems and the new CFOA Policy, requiring all automated Fire Brigade calling alarms to be designed, installed, commisioned and maintained by Third Party Certificated companies

false alarms - NSI approved companies are required to design systems to minimise false alarms

deterrence - anecdotal surveys show a high criminal awareness and avoidance of premises protected by NSI approved companies

customer care - NSI offers an independent technical arbitration service

NSI exists ‘to improve standards for the benefit of customers of the security and fire industries’, but customers are not the only beneficiaries of our inspection schemes.

We serve the Government by giving the public measurable confidence in the industries we inspect. We support the Police and Fire Services by operating Memoranda of Understanding with them which help us all to partner practical solutions to complex problems, such as the management of false alarms.

We work closely with the insurance industry, whose steadfast support over more than 30 years has helped to reduce risks and keep insurance premiums at a minimum (which benefits all stakeholders).

Not only do we inspect approved companies with consistent rigour, but we also add to their knowledge and best practice by interpreting Standards in depth and offering an unparalleled level of technical advice.

Of course the interests of all stakeholders are not always the same, and it is our task to balance our approach to ensure that we compromise and are flexible, but never at the expense of high standards.

Most of all, our focus is on the customer. We believe that every customer in the UK, from the largest multi-national company to the individual householder, is entitled to receive a professional service from security and fire companies which have proved their competence, time and time again. They may not always offer the cheapest solutions, but they are invariably the best.

The threat to every customer is the long-term undermining of high standards by poor performers and it is our motivation to separate the strong from the weak, in a transparent and open way.

So if a company which has not been approved by NSI offers its services, our advice to the customer is to challenge its credentials.

We think we have heard all of the excuses, but none of them stands up to the simple fact that over 1000 UK companies operating from over 1500 locations, can meet the standards and continue to do so, day on day.

From the NSI website, www.nsi.org.uk

Commercial crime
Crime against business shows no sign of diminishing. If anything, it appears to be escalating. 64% of all business surveyed have experienced at least one crime in the last 12 months - a rise from 58% in the 2001 survey.

One third of all premises have been burgled during the past year. A further 19% of businesses have suffered from attempted burglary. Nearly a third of all firms have experienced damage to vehicles and almost one quarter have been victim to structural damage (including vandalism).

One third of businesses surveyed estimate crime costs them more than £1000 per year. For 15% of firms, the cost of crime is estimated greater than £5000 a year. The average cost of crime per business is over £8000 per year.

In 2006 Crime cost London business £338 million. This represents a cost to each business in the capital an average of £14,800 pa.

One third of firms suffered a disruption from trading as a result of crime committed against them. A further 10% has lost business due to crime consequence. A quarter of firms have seen insurance costs increase and staff morale is also damaged.

Over half the businesses surveyed said they did not report all of the crimes suffered to the police. 16% did not report any crimes at all. 32% of businesses failing to report a crime did so because they had no confidence in the police response. One fifth stated that the process was too time consuming.

(Figures courtesy of the BCC)

Domestic Crime
It is impossible to give statistics on how many burglaries are prevented by burglar alarms, but Government statistics have shown that around 60% of burglaries carried out on homes fitted with burglar alarms are unsuccessful. This suggests that burglar alarms are a useful deterrent for prospective criminals, but before you rush out and buy a brand new security system follow a few of our tips on security devices for your home.

The British Security Industry Association suggests that householders use a professional alarm installation company registered with a police recognised “alarm inspectorate” - so ask to see your security company’s registration documents, and look for the following accreditation:

• NSI (National Security Inspectorate)
• NACOSS (National Approval Council for Security Systems)
• SSAIB (Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board)

Only speak to installers that offer you a free survey and written quotation without obligation, and turn away companies that try to shock you with stories or statistics about burglary. Burglaries are less common than most people think and violent attacks on people in their homes are extremely rare. You should consider reporting any firms that use shock tactics to your local police or trading standards.

There are a few different types of alarm system. The first, and most common, is the traditional “bells only” system. When professionally fitted these cost around £500 to install plus another £65 per year for a maintenance contract

Monitored Alarms
Police will respond to a monitored alarm when an alarm-receiving centre notifies them. However, installed since October 2002 monitored alarms must also use “confirmation” technology to receive a police response. Here, people at the alarm-receiving centre check using either CCTV (to see an intruder), an audio connection (to hear an intruder) or something called “sequential confirmation”. Sequential confirmation sounds a bit complicated, but basically this means detecting an intruder using sensors in a number of different places in or around you home - to spot if someone is moving around.

Before deciding on the type of alarm to install check with your insurance company first. They may offer discounts off your premium depending on the type you have fitted and the kind of installer you use. This could help make your choice a little easier. Get a professional instalation, and ensure they meet B.S EN 50131/ PD6662 standards.

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Securing premises can be a complex and difficult operation, but achievable on any premises.

Why electronic security?
The first line of defence for all homes is of course walls, fences, Etc. and entry points like windows and doors must have physical security in the form of locks and bolts; perhaps even bars, grilles or shutters. ‘But this physical security can be breached and locks and bolts, while making intrusion more difficult, in reality just change the weakest point.

All premises must have a weakest point and that is why electronic security is so important and why electronic security has come about. The invention of the first burglar alarm is credited to Edwin Holmes more than 150 years ago. Since that time, the equipment has improved fantastically and professionally installed systems are now so advanced as to be almost impossibly to defeat without the intruder triggering the devices and alerting someone to his activities.

The survey.
Electronic security takes many forms, from intruder detection and access control to closed circuit television (CCTV). Deciding what equipment needs to be installed to any home is the first task, and it is important that a risk analysis and site survey is carried out by a suitably skilled surveyor. This will ensure that the correct level of security is achieved without unnecessary expense. Installing too little detection will leave serious gaps that can be exploited by a cunning intruder, while fitting more equipment than is needed is financially wasteful and will probably lead to an unacceptable risk of false activations.

Which type of equipment.
For most premises, the first line of electronic security will always be an intruder alarm. Even if other types of electronic security is decided to be more suitable for specific reasons, intruder detection is almost always needed to protect the other equipment from being stolen or attacked.

Intruder alarms.
Intruder alarms themselves fall into 2 categories; audible or monitored.
Audible alarms just sound at the premises and are only suitable for homes within a residential area.
Monitored alarms provide a considerably higher level of security because, if the monitoring and response arrangements have been organised correctly, the alarm activation will result in key holders and/or the Police being swiftly alerted.

Access control
Simple access control is becoming increasingly popular in domestic premises, either because the residents have mobility issues or they have specific needs for a higher level of security. Audible systems allow the resident to have a conversation with any caller before deciding to release the electronic door lock. Video systems enable the residents to see the caller and establish their identity before permitting access.

CCTV.
We are all familiar with CCTV. Unfortunately, we live in a time of high crime incidents and many people find that CCTV is vital to ensure the safety and security of residents, as well as protecting property and personal possessions. Modern equipment is extremely sophisticated. Digital video multiplex recorders can maintain images for several weeks and the range of cameras now available enables good quality images to be captured in almost any situation.

Fire detection.
For several years the majority of UK homes have relied on cheap, stand alone battery operated smoke alarms. Unfortunately they are very unreliable and not fail safe. For this reason, regulations do not permit them to be used in any new homes, and all home owners are strongly advised to have modern powered detectors fitted. Many alarm companies offer fire detectors as part of an intruder alarm installation.

Maintenance.
Whatever electronic security or fire systems you have fitted, maintenance is extremely important to ensure your continued safety and security, as well as ensuring that your system doesn’t cause a nuisance to your neighbours. Additionally, a current maintenance contract may be a requirement of your insurers, and current noise regulations must be adhered to.

Approved installers.
If you need to have electronic security installed, or if you already have equipment that needs attention, you are recommended to use a company approved by either SSAIB (Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board) or NSI (National Security Inspectorate). Approved companies are regularly inspected to ensure that they operate to exacting standards.

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CCTV is a collection of video cameras used for video surveillance.

It is different from broadcast television as all the equipment is directly connected together with cables or wireless transmitters that can not be received by standard television aerials or equipment.

The transmission of the video signals are only intended to be accessible by the equipment on its dedicated closed circuit.
CCTV is generally used in areas where there is an increased need for security, such as banks, airports and town centres. CCTV was initially developed as a means to increase security for banks but over time it has developed into a cost effective means of general surveillance and home security.

A basic CCTV system comprises of the following;

• Camera, lens and power supply.

• Recording device, VCR or a digital video recorder.

• A monitor.

Cameras:

Are available in colour, monochrome or cameras that have the ability to switch between colour and monochrome (day/night cameras). The cameras that switch between colour and monochrome are intended for environments of low lighting at various times. There are 2 reasons for using a camera that can switch between colour and monochrome; monochrome cameras are much more sensitive to low lighting environments, and monochrome cameras can also be used with Infra red lighting. When there is adequate available light there is the added advantage of using a colour camera for recording colour information, for example the colour of a car or a person’s clothing.
The primary function of a camera is to convert light into a video signal; all cameras require an optical lens to focus the light onto an image sensor located directly behind the lens inside the camera.

There are two types of image sensor available, a camera with a CMOS ( Complementary Metal- Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor chip and the other more common type that uses a CCD ( Charge Coupled Device) imaging sensor chip. The majority of CCTV cameras and Video Camcorders use a CCD imaging sensor, whereas CMOS imaging sensors are more commonly used in webcams, budget home security cameras and digital photography cameras. CCD cameras are capable of creating a much clearer and higher resolution image.

All cameras require a power supply; these are usually 12 volts DC, 24 volts AC or 240 volts AC.

Lenses:

As mentioned in the section on cameras, all cameras require an optical lens. The job of the lens is to limit and focus light onto the image sensor of the camera. A lens can also automatically control the amount of light that reaches the imaging sensor, these lenses are referred to as Auto Iris (AI) lenses and are generally used outdoors where the light changes constantly during the day, at night and also in varying weather conditions.

It is also the job of the lens to control the depth of field of the image, either for a wide angle image or a narrow angle image depending on the distance of the object in question from the camera. Where movable cameras are used a zoom lens is usually fitted to allow varying points of a monitored area to be viewed. Zoom lenses are usually controlled by the CCTV operator.

Recording Devices:

The recording device receives and stores the images from the camera, previously time lapsed VCR’s and video multiplexers were generally used in CCTV systems, but due to developments in technology digital video recorders are now more commonly used.

Time lapse VCR’s allow camera images to be recorded for varying lengths of time on a single 3 hour video tape, from lengths of 3 hours to over 960 hours. The problem with time lapse video recorders is that the longer they are set to record for the less video information they can record per second, similar to taking a photograph from 25 every second to one photograph every 4 seconds for example.

Digital video recorders use computer hard drives to store the recorded information and can however record for much longer depending on the size of the hard drive and the CODEC (see glossary below) being used. A DVR combines and enhances the recording capabilities of a time lapse VCR and a multiplexer.

VCRs and camera switchers:

When there is a requirement for recoding more than one camera and video switcher can be used, the cameras are connected into the switcher and the switcher will automatically switch the image being fed to the monitor and the video. The disadvantage of using a switcher is that if there is an incident it is possible that the camera image will change causing the incident to be missed.

VCRs and Video multiplexers:

A multiplexer is a device that takes multiple video images and lays them onto a VHS tape; it uses the properties of the PAL signal (see glossary below) to record as many images from multiple cameras every second as possible. The video information recorded is limited by the amount of cameras on the system and the length of time the VCR is set to record for.

Stand alone digital video recorders:

A stand alone DVR is designed specifically for CCTV systems. It uses computer hard drives to store video information and an embedded operating system to control the functions of the DVR; this type of recording device is most commonly used with current CCTV systems. Digital video recorders have various settings to enable more video information to be recorded at the required times using technology such as video motion detection, this means that the images from the cameras are only recorded when the information of the image changes, for example a person walking in front of the camera.

As previously mentioned, DVRs have a multiplexer built in which enables the user to view multiple images on the screen at any given time by segregating the screen image.

Many DVRs can also be connected to a network or a modem to allow remote access.

PC based digital recorders:

Operate much in the way as stand alone DVRs, but use video capture cards and additional software to carry out the operations of the DVR, these types of DVR can easily be upgraded to accept additional cameras by adding more capture cards. As with the stand alone DVR’s, PC based recorders can also be connected to the internet for remote access to the DVR.

Network video servers:

Are designed for IP CCTV cameras over WAN or LAN computer networks where each camera has its own unique IP address.

Monitors:

There are two main types of monitor; the analogue monitor referred to as a CRT ( Cathode Ray Tube) and the digital monitor which is the commonly used PC monitor known as the TFT ( Thin Film Transistor) monitor.
There are advantages and disadvantages for both monitors, A TFT monitor is less space consuming than a CRT monitor. A CRT monitor will display a better image of low and medium resolution cameras than a TFT monitor. For high resolution cameras, a TFT monitor can be more cost effective than using a high resolution CRT monitor.

CRT monitors are usually specifically designed for CCTV systems and come fitted with a composite video input BNC (Bayonet Nut Coupling) plug. CCTV monitors are also designed for long term use compared to standard TVs and cater for higher screen resolutions.
Developed in the late 1940’s as a miniature version of the Type C connector, Bayonet Neil-Concelman (sometimes erroneously called a British Naval Connector or Bayonet Nut Connector). A connector widely used in the CCTV industry, usually for coaxial cable. Easy to install and reliable with little video signal loss. A rotating ring outside the tube locks the cable to any female connector.

Lighting:

All cameras require a degree of lighting to be able to pick up an image, monochrome cameras generally work well in darker environments than colour cameras. Infrared lighting can also be used with monochrome cameras.

There are various types or infrared lighting available, standard bulbs or LED ( Light Emitting Diode) types.

Infra red lighting can illuminate areas at different frequencies, although invisible to the naked eye, CCTV cameras can see the light emitted. Depending on the frequency range that the IR lamp operates, depends on how visible the lamp glow is to the naked eye. Note however, not all cameras are sensitive enough to pick up all frequencies of infra red.

Covert CCTV:

Is the practice of using video cameras in locations that are not made obvious to the persons being monitored in the specific camera coverage area. There are no laws in the UK which permit the use of covert CCTV, but it is recommended that there is reasonable cause for the purpose of covert surveillance and that its primary objectives are clearly noted, only used for the purposes of preventing crime and are not used for longer than intended. Areas where covert CCTV equipment is misused for sexual gratification falls under sections 67 and 68, Part 1, Chapter 42 of the sexual offences act 2003.

Remote CCTV:

Is the means of accessing CCTV images over a computer network or standard telephone networks. Software is used on the local PC that allows access to the digital video recorder.

IP CCTV:
Refers to Internet Protocol Closed Circuit Television; traditional CCTV systems use digital or analogue cameras using analogue cables that connect to a recording device such as a digital video recorder. IP cameras are designed to plug onto any existing wired or wireless computer TCP/IP network, or directly onto a broadband connection so that the camera can be accessed by any computer connected to the network, this includes over the internet.
Computers are used on the network to store the camera images but with the flexibility of IP CCTV, the cameras could be located on opposite sides of the world. Although IP Cameras can be connected directly to an existing network, bandwidth is always a consideration as the data sent from the camera is likely to be much larger than standard data transferred over usual office networks which if not planned correctly can slow down the entire network.

Video Signal:

The video signal is known as the moving image information signal produced from a video camera, In the UK we use a video signal standard called PAL (Phase Alternate Line) this is a colour or monochrome video signal that comprises of 25 images or frames per second. The PAL video signal is common to most UK TV’s and video recorders. A new breed of CCTV cameras referred to as IP CCTV Cameras (Internet Protocol Closed Circuit TeleVision) uses a data signal which comprises of a series of computer readable still images. These cameras are generally connected directly to a computer or a computer network and are accessed by software to enable the live viewing, recording and playback of the video images. One format for this moving video data is called MPEG (Moving Pictures Experts Group).

Video Transmission:

Is the means of getting the video signal from the camera to the recording or monitoring device. The transmission can be carried over wires or over the airwaves via radio transmission.

The most commonly used cable for wired transmission is RG59 coaxial cable.

Network cable is being used more commonly as video is able to travel further along twisted pair cables than standard coax.

Other forms of video transmission include fibre optic cables, microwave transmission and licence free radio transmission.

Resolution:

Refers to the number of definable parts of the horizontal image produced by a camera, recorded by the video or digital video recorder and displayed on the monitor.

CCTV equipment manufacturers refer to this as TVL (TeleVision Lines).

The TVL of the analogue PAL video information is closely compared to the pixels of a digital image.

VHS (Video Home System) recorders are capable of recording 300 lines of a monochrome image or 240 lines of a colour image; SVHS (Super Video Home System) is capable of recording 400 lines of monochrome image and 340 lines of a colour image.

The recording device should be the deciding factor when choosing the resolution of a camera as a 520 TVL camera being recorded on a VHS recorder will only record 240 lines out of the available 520 lines.

Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) have the advantage of being able to convert the analogue PAL signal into a digital signal at various resolutions, the downside is, that the higher the resolution of the image recorded, the larger the file size of that digital image. The conversion of the analogue PAL signal to a digital image is done using a CODEC (COmpressor-DECompressor).

Codec’s:

A CODEC is used to convert an analogue video signal to a digital video signal either using hardware or software. Codec’s play an important role in digital video recorders; they are not only used to convert the analogue signal to a digital signal but to also produce the best quality video information at the smallest file size. This makes a big difference to the amount of video that can be recorded on a DVRs hard drive.

There are many standards of CODEC, those used for video compression that you may come across are MPEG-2, MPEG-4, JPEG 2000, AVI and H.264, H.264 is the latest codec being introduced into the CCTV market, deriving from video conferencing equipment.

Here is some information on Access Control and What it is